MA24126A Microwave USB Power Sensor, 10 MHz to 26 GHz

True-RMS USB power sensor measuring average power from 10 MHz to 26 GHz over a 60 dB dynamic range.

Frequency range: 10 MHz to 26 GHz
Dynamic range (CW): –40 dBm to +20 dBm
Dynamic range (Timeslot): –40 dBm to +20 dBm
Dynamic range (Scope): –40 dBm to +20 dBm

Datasheet

Overview

The Anritsu MA24126A is a microwave USB power sensor that measures average power from 10 MHz to 26 GHz over 60 dB of dynamic range. It uses a dual-path architecture in which two diode detector paths are kept in their square-law region and the appropriate path is selected for the signal level, giving True-RMS results comparable to a thermal sensor for CW, multi-tone and digitally modulated signals. A built-in attenuator at the input improves SWR and reduces mismatch error, and a DC block protects the sensor from RF signals carrying DC content.

The sensor contains a microcontroller, signal conditioning, ADCs and power supply, so it operates as a complete power meter without a benchtop unit. All calibration factors, linearity and temperature corrections are stored inside the sensor, and the USB cable carries only corrected digital power data, which removes the need for a 1 mW reference calibrator. Calibration standards are traceable to NIST and periodic calibration is available through Anritsu service centers.

Triggering and measurement modes

The MA24126A supports a software-based internal trigger and an external trigger input on an MCX connector. In Scope mode the sensor displays power versus time with gate and fence settings to include or exclude portions of the waveform. In Time Slot mode it reports the average power of each slot in TDMA signals such as GSM/EDGE, with up to 128 slots, a 300 ms capture time and user-definable exclusion periods. The ADC samples at 140,000 samples per second, and positive or negative trigger delay can be applied.

Compatibility

The sensor connects to a PC running Microsoft Windows and is controlled with the PowerXpert application, which provides data logging, power-versus-time graphs and a large numerical display. It also works with Option-19-enabled Anritsu handheld and benchtop instruments, including Site Master, Spectrum Master, Cell Master, BTS Master, VNA Master and the MS271xB Economy Microwave Spectrum Analyzers, via a USB A/micro-B cable. Scope and Time Slot measurements require a PC. Multiple sensors can be controlled from a single PC, and a USB-to-LAN converter allows remote monitoring beyond the 5 m USB cable limit.

Key Features

Broad frequency range (10 MHz to 26 GHz)
True RMS measurements over 60 dB dynamic range
NIST traceable calibrations
Compatible with Anritsu handhelds
Built-in internal and external trigger (only used with PC)
High power handling (+33 dBm)
1 mW calibration need eliminated
Silicone protective covering for additional field durability
Worldwide calibration and service centers
Dual-path architecture keeps diode detectors in the square-law region
Built-in attenuator minimises mismatch error
DC block at the sensor input
Scope mode with gate and fence feature
Time Slot mode with up to 128 slots and 300 ms capture time
Two-colour LED reports sensor status
K connector designed for use with a torque wrench
Software toolkit with sample source code for ATE control
Auto averaging and auto ranging

Specifications

Sensor

Frequency range	10 MHz to 26 GHz
Dynamic range (CW)	–40 dBm to +20 dBm
Dynamic range (Timeslot)	–40 dBm to +20 dBm
Dynamic range (Scope)	–40 dBm to +20 dBm
SWR	< 1.90, 10 MHz to 50 MHz; < 1.17, 50 MHz to 150 MHz; < 1.12, 150 MHz to 2 GHz; < 1.22, 2 GHz to 12 GHz; < 1.25, 12 GHz to 18 GHz; < 1.35, 18 GHz to 26 GHz Web page states < 1.17 for 10 MHz to 150 MHz without the 10 MHz to 50 MHz band; datasheet value used
Signal channel rise time	8 µs typical
Video bandwidth	50 kHz typical
Sampling rate	140 ks/s, typical
Measurement ranges	Range 1, +20 dBm to –7 dBm typical; Range 2, –7 dBm to –40 dBm typical Auto ranging between range 1 and 2

Measurement Uncertainty

Linearity	< 3% Measurement linearity error referenced to an ideal thermal power sensor measurement of CW signals operating at 26 GHz
Cal factor	< 3.5% at 10 MHz; < 2.0%, 50 MHz to 2 GHz; < 2.5%, 3 GHz to 8 GHz; < 3.0%, 9 GHz to 15 GHz; < 3.5%, 16 GHz to 26 GHz Expanded uncertainty with K=2 for absolute power measurements on CW signal at 0 dBm at calibration frequencies 10 MHz, 50 MHz, 100 MHz, 300 MHz, 500 MHz, and 1 GHz to 26 GHz in 1 GHz increments
Noise	< 8 µW, Range 1; < 40 nW, Range 2 Expanded uncertainty with K=2 after zero operation, 1 average, 20 ms aperture time for 5 minutes; noise falls as the square root of the number of averages and aperture time
Zero set	< 1 µW, Range 1; < 10 nW, Range 2 Expanded uncertainty with K=2 after zero operation, 1 average, 20 ms aperture time for 5 minutes
Zero drift	< 0.5 µW, Range 1; < 3 nW, Range 2 Expanded uncertainty with K=2 after one hour warm-up and zero operation, 1 average, 20 ms aperture time, temperature within ±1 ºC
Effect of temperature	< 1.4%
Effect of digital modulation	< 0.5%, < +18 dBm; < 1.4%, > +18 dBm Measurement error with reference to a CW signal of equal power and frequency at 25 ºC

System

Measurand	Average power
Measurement resolution	0.01 dB max via PowerXpert, 0.001 dB max via remote command Resolution in PowerXpert is 2 digits after the decimal; native sensor resolution is 3 digits after the decimal
Offset correction	–100 dB to +150 dB Available only through the PowerXpert application; no remote command in the sensor firmware
Averaging	Auto, Manual
Averaging type	Moving, Repeat
Number of averages (manual)	1 to 40,000 Maximum in Continuous Average and Timeslot modes is 40,000; in Scope mode the maximum equals 8231936 divided by data points
Auto average resolution	1 dB, 0.1 dB, 0.01 dB, 0.001 dB 0.001 dB averaging resolution is not available with the PowerXpert application
Auto average source (slot # or scope data point number)	Timeslot: 1 to 128; Scope: 1 to 1024

Continuous Average Mode

Duty cycle correction	0.01% to 100%
Aperture time	0.01 ms to 300 ms
Measurement time	N x (Capture Time x 2.5) + Td + Tcom Data throughput at the A end of the USB A to Micro-B cable; Td = 0 for Capture Time > 9 ms, 3 ms for 2 ms < Capture Time < 9 ms, 5 ms for Capture Time < 2 ms; Tcom = 5 ms command processing time

Scope Mode

Capture time	0.01 to 300 ms
Data points	1 to 1024
Resolution	0.007 ms, max via remote command; 0.01 ms, max via PowerXpert
Measurement time	N x (Capture Time x 3.75) + (Pn x Tdp) + Tcom N = number of repeat averages (1 for moving average); Pn = number of points; Tdp = 0.05 ms communication delay per point; Tcom = 5 ms command processing time

Timeslot Mode

Maximum number of slots	128
Slot width	0.01 ms to 100 ms
Maximum capture time	300 ms (slot width x number of slots)
Resolution	0.007 ms, max via remote command; 0.01 ms, max via PowerXpert
Exclusion periods	Start exclusion 0 ms to 10 ms; End exclusion 0 ms to 10 ms
Measurement time	N x (Capture Time x 3.75) + (Pn x Tdp) + Tcom N = number of repeat averages (1 for moving average); Pn = number of points; Tdp = 0.05 ms communication delay per point; Tcom = 5 ms command processing time

Trigger

Source	Bus, Continuous, Internal and External Bus trigger not available in the PowerXpert application
Internal trigger dynamic range	–20 dBm to +20 dBm
Internal trigger level accuracy	± 0.5 dB, typical
Internal trigger slope	Positive or negative
Internal trigger delay range	–5 ms to +10 s
Internal trigger delay resolution	10 µs
External trigger impedance	100 kΩ
External trigger type	TTL/CMOS
External trigger slope	Positive or negative
External trigger delay range	–5 ms to +10 s
External trigger delay resolution	10 µs
External trigger positive threshold voltage	2.0 V typical
External trigger negative threshold voltage	1.2 V typical
External trigger hysteresis	0.8 V typical

General

RF connector	K male Web page lists K (m)
Interface to host	USB 2.0 full speed (compatible with USB 1.0 and 1.1)
Current consumption	150 mA, typical
External trigger input	MCX (female), 12 V max
Damage levels at RF port	+33 dBm, ± 20 V DC
Size	25 mm x 45 mm x 110 mm, excluding N connector and silicone protective covering Family datasheet value stated for the N-connector models
Weight	230 g (0.51 lb)

Environmental

Operating temperature range	0 ºC to 50 ºC Tests performed per MIL-PRF-28800F (Class 2)
Storage temperature range	–51 ºC to +71 ºC
Humidity	45% relative humidity at 55 ºC (non-condensing); 75% relative humidity at 40 ºC (non-condensing); 95% relative humidity at 30 ºC (non-condensing)
Shock	30 g half-sine, 11 ms duration
Vibration	Sinusoidal: 5 Hz to 55 Hz, 3 g max.; Random: 10 Hz to 500 Hz, Power Spectral Density: 0.03 g²/Hz
EMC	EN 61326
Safety	EN 61010-1

PowerXpert v2.0 (PC requirements)

Processor and RAM	Minimum: Equivalent to Intel Pentium III with 1 GB RAM or Intel Pentium IV with 512 MB RAM; Recommended: Equivalent to Intel Pentium IV with 1 GB RAM
Operating system	Microsoft Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows 2000
Hard-disk free space	100 MB, minimum
Display resolution	1024 × 768, minimum
Interface	USB 2.0 full speed (compatible with USB 1.0 and 1.1)

Specifications are taken from the manufacturer's documentation. See the datasheet for complete and current values.

Applications

General purpose RF and microwave power measurement
Aerospace and defense
Satellite
Cellular base station installation and maintenance
Microwave point-to-point radio installation and maintenance
Production test and ATE systems
R&D of wireless devices and systems
TDMA time slot measurements (GSM, WiMAX, TD-SCDMA)
Burst power measurements
Antenna measurements over LAN
Remote power monitoring

Included

10585-00021 Quick Start Guide
2000-1605-R 1.5 m BNC (m) to MCX (m) cable
2000-1606-R 1.8 m USB A to Micro-B cable with latch
PowerXpert data analysis and control software
Software toolkit with sample program and source code

Options & Accessories

Option	Description
MA24126A-097	Option 97, Accredited Calibration to ISO17025 and ANSI/NCSL Z540 — Test report and uncertainty data included.
MA24126A-098	Option 98, Standard calibration to ISO17025 and ANSI/NCSL Z540
MA24126A-099	Option 99, Premium calibration to ISO17025 and ANSI/NCSL Z540 — Test report and uncertainty data included.
01-200	Calibrated torque wrench for N connector
01-204	Calibrated torque wrench for K and V connectors
2000-1614-R	5.0 m USB A to Micro-B cable with latch
3-1010-123	Power attenuator, DC to 8.5 GHz — 30 dB, 50 W, 50 Ω, N (m) to N (f)
3-1010-124	Power attenuator, DC to 8.5 GHz — 40 dB, 100 W, 50 Ω, N (m) to N (f)
3-1010-122	Power attenuator, DC to 12.4 GHz — 20 dB, 5 W, 50 Ω, N (m) to N (f)
42N50-20	Power attenuator, DC to 18 GHz — 20 dB, 5 W, 50 Ω, N (m) to N (f)
42N50-30	Power attenuator, DC to 18 GHz — 30 dB, 50 W, 50 Ω, N (m) to N (f)
41KB-3	Power attenuator, DC to 26.5 GHz — 3 dB, 50 Ω, K (m) to K (f)
41KB-6	Power attenuator, DC to 26.5 GHz — 6 dB, 50 Ω, K (m) to K (f)
41KB-10	Power attenuator, DC to 26.5 GHz — 10 dB, 50 Ω, K (m) to K (f)
41KB-20	Power attenuator, DC to 26.5 GHz — 20 dB, 50 Ω, K (m) to K (f)
43KB-3	Power attenuator, DC to 26.5 GHz — 3 dB, 50 Ω, K (m) to K (f)
43KB-6	Power attenuator, DC to 26.5 GHz — 6 dB, 50 Ω, K (m) to K (f)
43KB-10	Power attenuator, DC to 26.5 GHz — 10 dB, 50 Ω, K (m) to K (f)
43KB-20	Power attenuator, DC to 26.5 GHz — 20 dB, 50 Ω, K (m) to K (f)
510-90	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 3.3 GHz — N (m) to 7/16 DIN (f)
510-91	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 3.3 GHz — N (f) to 7/16 DIN (f)
510-92	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 3.3 GHz — N (m) to 7/16 DIN (m)
510-93	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 3.3 GHz — N (f) to 7/16 DIN (m)
33NFNF50B	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz — N (f) to N (f)
33NNF50B	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz — N (m) to N (f)
33NN50B	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz — N (m) to N (m)
34AN50	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz — GPC-7 to N (m)
34ANF50	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz — GPC-7 to N (f)
34NFK50	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz — N (f) to K (m)
34NFKF50	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz — N (m) to K (f)
34NK50	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz — N (m) to K (m)
34NKF50	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz — N (m) to K (f)
1091-26	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz — N (m) to SMA (m)
1091-27	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz — N (m) to SMA (f)
1091-80-R	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz — N (f) to SMA (m)
1091-81-R	Precision coaxial adapter, DC to 18 GHz — N (f) to SMA (f)